Nashik: Troubles continue to mount for self-styled astrologer Ashok Kharat as Nashik Police have registered two more criminal cases against him, including a fresh rape complaint, taking the total number of cases to 10.

According to police officials, eight of these cases relate to rape and sexual exploitation, while two involve allegations of cheating and financial fraud. The latest FIRs were registered by the Sarkarwada Police Station on Friday night,

Details On The Recent Complaints

In the most recent complaint, a married woman alleged that Kharat sexually assaulted her four times between August and December 2024. The complainant stated that she had visited Kharat’s office at Canada Corner in Nashik along with her husband. Following a pattern seen in earlier cases, Kharat allegedly asked her husband to wait outside before sedating and assaulting her inside his chamber.

Police said the woman approached authorities only after Kharat’s arrest on March 18, indicating that more victims may come forward as the investigation progresses.

In a separate case, a trader from Ahilyanagar district, Rajendra Nanasaheb Bhagwat (39), accused Kharat of cheating him of Rs 2.62 lakh over three years. Bhagwat told police that Kharat had advised him to wear gemstone rings to improve his business fortunes. However, after the accused’s arrest, the complainant discovered that the stones were fake and the rings were made of copper instead of gold. Bhagwat also alleged that he had given Kharat gold rings weighing over 20 grams.

Kharat, who built a reputation as a numerologist advising clients, including prominent individuals, on business and personal matters, is now under investigation for multiple serious offences, including rape, extortion, and cheating.

Meanwhile, the district administration has taken parallel action by suspending Kharat’s firearm licence. Ayush Prasad confirmed that a show-cause notice has been issued, asking why the licence should not be permanently cancelled.

Officials said the move followed the recovery of five used cartridges from Kharat’s farmhouse. Authorities are now probing whether the firearm was used in any незакон activities. Records show that the licence was first granted in 2014 and renewed as recently as 2024.

With multiple cases emerging and investigations intensifying, the Kharat case has taken a serious turn, raising concerns over alleged abuse of influence and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals under the guise of spiritual guidance.

Mumbai: Two police constables have been arrested for allegedly kidnapping a forex company executive and robbing him of $10,000 (`8.65 lakh) in Juhu. The police said the stolen cash has not yet been recovered, and efforts are on to trace three other accused.

Sandeep Shinde, 33, posted at the BKC police station, and Gajendra Rajput, 40, attached to the Jogeshwari police station, were among five persons who allegedly carried out the abduction on Wednesday afternoon. The incident unfolded when the 30-year-old delivery executive travelled to Juhu to hand over foreign currency to a client.

At 2 pm, near Juhu Circle, he was allegedly cornered and forced into a car, where he was allegedly assaulted. The captors also threatened to frame him in a false case. The group drove him to Dahisar, where they snatched the bag containing $10,000. The victim’s cries for help drew the attention of passers-by, leading to a commotion that caught the eye of a police patrol unit. As the accused tried to flee, Shinde was caught on the spot by Dahisar patrol officers.

He was initially taken to the Dahisar police station before being handed over to the Juhu police. During questioning, investigators uncovered Rajput’s involvement, who was arrested on Friday at his residence in Thane. A case was registered on Thursday under charges including kidnapping, extortion, dacoity, and impersonating a public servant. Shinde was produced before a court and remanded for 10 days of police custody.

Mumbai: Mumbai and its metropolitan region woke up to clear blue skies, with noticeably improved air quality across the city on Saturday morning. Though the temperature remained at 28 degrees Celsius at 9 am, however, heat and humid conditions persisted.

The Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai, has predicted dry weather in the cities of Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar today. Though there are no heatwave-like conditions predicted today, Google Weather has issued a severe weather alert stating that excessive heat is expected, with temperatures reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius.

Overall AQI In Moderate Range

Data from AQI monitoring platforms showed the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 83 at 9.30 am, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. This marks a major improvement compared to previous weeks, when dust and particulate matter had pushed pollution levels higher. In Navi Mumbai, the AQI remained in the ‘poor’ category at 113 with the current temperature at 30 degrees Celsius, with humidity at 70 per cent.

Dry Weather To Prevail Till March 31

According to RMC Mumbai, the dry weather is very likely to be dry in Palghar, Thane and Mumbai. Not just in Mumbai and MMR, the dry weather is also very likely in Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nashik, Pune, and Satara, among cities in Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, hospitals in Mumbai are witnessing a sharp rise in cases of heatstroke, dehydration, and heat-related neurological complications. Medical experts warn that the ongoing heatwave is not only straining physical health but also posing serious risks to brain function.

Doctors have identified several high-risk groups, including children, senior citizens, and individuals with pre-existing neurological or cardiovascular conditions. Outdoor workers such as construction labourers, traffic police personnel, and delivery workers are particularly vulnerable due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and high humidity levels.

As per the IMD’s Hot Weather Outlook for March to May 2026, Maharashtra is likely to witness more frequent heatwave events in the coming months, particularly in April and May. With temperatures already climbing, the early onset of such conditions signals a potentially harsh summer for the region.